(a) the details of the gender-wise enrolment for primary education in the country during the last three years, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether there is an increase in the drop out rate of both genders at primary and secondary school levels;

(c) if so, the details thereof during the last three years, gender-wise, class-wise and State-wise and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the drop out rate amongst the girls is mainly due to non-availability of toilets in the schools; and

(e) if so, the remedial steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer:

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a):The State-wise and gender-wise details of the number of students enrolled in Classes I-V during 2008-09 (Provisional), 2009-10 (Provisional) and 2010-11 (Provisional) are at Annexure. The data on the enrolment of students is not available for 2011-12.

(b) & (c): The gender-wise dropout rate for the Classes I-V and Classes I-X during 2009-10(Provisional) and 2010-11(Provisional) in the country is given below:

(d) & (e): The dropout of girls is mainly due to economic disadvantage, workload within and outside the household, sibling care duties and inadequate school infrastructure and facilities. The Government has been making consistent progress in meeting the goals of Universal Elementary Education through the implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009, which became operational with effect from 1st April, 2010, provides that every child in the 6 to 14 age-group shall have a right to free and compulsory education till the completion of elementary education. The SSA Framework of Implementation has been revised to correspond with the provisions of the RTE Act 2009 and the SSA is being implemented in accordance with the norms and standards of the RTE Act to enhance enrolment and retention of children and to bridge gender gaps in elementary education. A multi–pronged approach has been adopted for reducing dropout rates. This includes, inter-alia, opening of new schools, appointment of additional teachers including women teachers, free textbooks, free uniforms, separate toilets for girls and teachers’ sensitization programmes to promote participation of girls. The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme provides for the setting up of residential upper primary schools for girls. The Mid Day Meal Scheme is also being implemented with a view to enhance enrolment and retention of children in school. Further, the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan which has been launched for universal access to secondary education, aims at removing gender and socio-economic disparities in access to education.